Lake Macquarie has a new location for locals to return and earn with the opening of a Return and Earn machine at Stockland Glendale Shopping Centre.

City of Lake Macquarie residents are already enthusiastic recyclers, having returned more than 322.2 million drink containers for recycling through local return points since Return and Earn launched in December 2017.

“The new Stockland Glendale machine is the 11th return point in the City of Lake Macquarie. This is fantastic news for the local community, providing them with even greater access and convenience to return their eligible bottles and cans,” said James Dorney , CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway , network operator for Return and Earn.

The new machine allows users to print a voucher for the refund amount, redeemable for cash at Woolworths, or opt for an e-voucher or payment directly into their bank account or Paypal by downloading the Return and Earn app. They can also choose to donate some or all of their refund to one of the charity partners listed on the machine.

“More than $30 million has been raised for charities and community groups via donations and fees from hosting return points since scheme commencement. In the Lake Macquarie area, local charities and schools are increasingly using the scheme to raise much-needed funds,” Mr Dorney said.

PCYC Newcastle is currently featured as the local donation partner on the Stockland Glendale machine. Donations will help fund the PCYC’s mental resilience program and make a life-changing difference to young people in Newcastle. The program provides skills training, nutrition education, and physical fitness classes for mental resilience.
Local recyclers using the machine can also support the latest state-wide major donation partners Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL) and GIVIT. AWL rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes animals in need, while GIVIT customers can support communities affected by the recent floods.

To date, more than 7.7 billion containers have been returned for recycling through the network of 620+ return points across NSW.

“By using this return point, in combination with your household recycling, we can all do our bit to reduce litter and landfill, and contribute to a more sustainable future,” said Mr Dorney.

The Glendale Return and Earn machine is located at Stockland Glendale Shopping Centre, 387 Lake Road, Glendale and is open from 7am to 6pm daily.

For more information on Return and Earn including container eligibility or the status of your nearest return point, visit: www.returnandearn.org.au.

Contact TOMRA Cleanaway about hosting a return point.

This article was first published on Connect Web News.